About

The relationship between architecture and nature, built form and living systems, anthropogenic construction and organic evolution is one of the most crucial aspects one has to consider when spatially designing. This not only applies to strategies on environmental responsibility but equally on anticipatory human behaviour, transient occupation and cultural or demographic variety.
While generations of architects have argued whether architecture should rather be distinctive from nature in its manifestation and function or if a harmonic unification, integration and correlation of the two is to be preferred, we’re today facing challenges that seem far too complex, unpredictable and variegated as to be solved through such a simplistic approach.
At the same time we’re experiencing technological advancements at a pace formerly unknown, the conglomeration of scientific disciplines and consequently the emergence of new areas of research, but also the empowering, anarchic and self-dynamic aspects of open source, community driven development or the exponential spread of information through social networks and the alike.
In order to keep up with these changes proposes to embrace the unknown and cultivate the architectural discipline towards an integrated, co-operative and cross-disciplinary practice that responds to natural evolution through more than formally adapting it.
This symposium highlights a number of approaches of leading international practitioners and researchers who investigate novel interrelations between architecture, nature and humanity for a future, alive architecture.
Drawing on three key paradigms the event is consequently organised into three session:Session One: Printed Physics / Programmed MatterThe ability to design material properties at a nano scale and construct them so they are dynamic, active and responsive to environmental conditions questions our current attitude towards materiality and demands a fundamental rethinking.Session Two: Bio-inspiration / SustainabilityLearning from nature means much more than aestheticising its formal expression. Sensitive observation of biological systems and investigations that go beyond functional thinking can lead to unconventional solutions and possibilities.Session Three: Interaction / Behaviour / IntelligenceWith smart devices that seamlessly integrate into buildings and whose capabilities and performance is steadily increasing, concepts that exceed pure control and automation mechanisms but rather evolve and adapt dynamically are essential.